Celebrate Menopause Awareness Month with $30 Off Paloma Membership

Get $30 off for Menopause Awareness Month

Menopause and thyroid health often share similar symptoms, we can help you feel your best during this transition. Use code MENOPAUSE30.

Can Hypothyroidism Cause Bad Breath (Halitosis)?

Learn about how hypothyroidism can contribute to bad breath.
Can Hypothyroidism Cause Bad Breath (Halitosis)?
Last updated:
8/19/2024
Medically Reviewed by:

The Big Picture

In this article

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be an embarrassing problem for some. Indeed, it’s estimated that halitosis affects over 50% of the population. Bad breath has different causes, including poor oral hygiene, certain foods, smoking, and underlying health conditions. Is hypothyroidism – an underactive thyroid –  one of those conditions contributing to halitosis? Let’s explore that question. 

What causes bad breath?

Bad breath most often results from the production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in the mouth. You’ll frequently notice the presence of VSCs first thing in the morning upon waking (aka morning breath). Normal bacteria in the mouth produce VSCs. Often, this results from the reduction of saliva in the mouth caused by mouth breathing or food residue. VSCs may be produced in excess in those with poor oral hygiene, gingivitis, and periodontal disease, among other causes.

While bad breath is most commonly caused by problems in the mouth, about 10 to 20% results from other causes, including the following:

  • Strong-smelling foods like garlic, onions, and coffee can leave a lingering odor in your mouth, contributing to bad breath. These odors can persist even after brushing and flossing.
  • Smoking and other tobacco products can not only stain your teeth and increase your risk of oral cancer but also cause bad breath. Tobacco products can leave a lingering odor in your mouth and contribute to gum disease, both of which can result in halitosis.
  • Medical conditions – such as allergies, respiratory infections, diabetes, liver disease, acid reflux, and autoimmune disease, including Sjögren’s syndrome – can also cause bad breath. These conditions can affect the chemicals in your breath or reduce saliva production, leading to halitosis.
  • A diet high in sugary and starchy foods can promote bacterial growth in your mouth, leading to bad breath. Additionally, skipping meals can cause a decrease in saliva production, contributing to dry mouth and halitosis.

Understanding hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. This hormone plays a major role in regulating metabolism, energy levels, and various bodily functions. So, when thyroid hormone levels are low, body systems tend to slow down. Hypothyroidism can lead to a range of symptoms, including:

Bad breath is not a typical symptom of hypothyroidism. However, some studies and anecdotal evidence suggest a potential link between the two. The connection between the two may lie in the effects of hypothyroidism on various bodily processes.

Dry mouth

Saliva helps keep your mouth healthy. Your salivary glands make saliva, which helps to:

  • Break down food, making it easier to swallow and chew
  • Rinse away food from your teeth
  • Fight tooth decay
  • Help prevent mouth and throat infections

So, a saliva deficiency could have serious consequences for your health. Furthermore, it can contribute to mouth odor. Reduced saliva production can create an environment prime for bacterial overgrowth in the mouth, leading to bad breath.

Hypothyroidism can reduce saliva flow, leading to dry mouth (xerostomia). It isn’t uncommon to have a dry mouth every once in a while. However, persistent dry mouth may be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as hypothyroidism. Other possible causes of dry mouth include:

  • Side effects of medications such as ones taken for high blood pressure and depression
  • Radiation therapy
  • Cancer treatments
  • Sjögren’s syndrome - an autoimmune disease that causes dry mouth (discussed in the next section)
  • Damage to the nerves in salivary glands
  • Alcohol or tobacco use

Persistent dry mouth can lead to long-term consequences. It can make chewing or swallowing difficult and raise the risk of tooth decay and mouth infections. Tooth decay can lead to cavities, and cavities generally lead to fillings. Mercury fillings may further contribute to hypothyroidism symptoms. Read more about the link between mercury fillings and hypothyroidism here.

The Hashimoto’s/Sjögren’s connection

Autoimmune Hashimoto’s thyroiditis – the primary cause of hypothyroidism in the U.S. – is also related to dry mouth. The connection between an autoimmune disease like Hashimoto’s and halitosis is due to the effects of inflammation on the body. Inflammation caused by autoimmune diseases can affect various parts of the body, including the mouth and throat. When inflammation occurs in the oral cavity, it can lead to dry mouth, gum disease, and bacterial growth, all of which can contribute to bad breath.

Furthermore, some autoimmune diseases can directly impact an individual's oral health. For example, Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the salivary glands, leading to dry mouth. This lack of saliva can create an environment where bacteria thrive, leading to halitosis.

Sjogren’s syndrome is characterized by the immune system attacking the glands that produce tears and saliva, leading to dry eyes and mouth. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, on the other hand, is characterized by the immune system attacking the thyroid gland, leading to an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism.

Research indicates that Sjögren’s syndrome is more common in people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. At the same time, Sjögren’s patients have a higher risk of thyroid issues, as shown in a meta-analysis in 2019.

Changes in the gastrointestinal (GI) system

Hypothyroidism slows down metabolism, which means all body systems slow down. In your GI tract, slower than normal food movement can result in digestion and nutrient absorption issues. This altered metabolic state may lead to GI issues, such as constipation and acid reflux.

Acid reflux, specifically chronic acid reflux known as GERD, can contribute to bad breath. It occurs when stomach contents flow back up your food pipe (esophagus). Stomach contents contain stomach acid and undigested food bits, which can contribute to bad breath. Acid reflux can also lead to a breakdown of the tooth enamel. This breakdown increases the risk of cavities and poor oral hygiene.

Besides bad breath, other symptoms of GERD include:

  • Heartburn
  • Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
  • Burping
  • Chronic, dry cough

Furthermore, a common, chronic bacterial infection in the GI tract known as H.pylori can co-exist with GERD. For most, H. pylori doesn’t cause an infection. But for those that do develop an H. pylori infection, it can cause symptoms including:

  • Bad breath due to the production of two major sulfate compounds
  • Bloating
  • Mild nausea that resolves with vomiting
  • Lack of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Burping

After undergoing treatment for H. pylori, you can expect a decrease in the severity of bad breath. H. pylori treatment often involves antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) such as Nexium (esomeprazole) or Prilosec (omeprazole). (Remember that you should take these medications several hours apart from thyroid medications to ensure proper absorption. You can also take gel capsules or liquid forms of levothyroxine, like Tirosint and Tirosint-SOL, designed to withstand interference from PPI drugs.) 

Oral health implications

Individuals with hypothyroidism may experience changes in oral health. We have already discussed ways hypothyroidism can cause tooth decay.

Hypothyroidism may also influence the health of your gums. Inflammation of the gums in the early stages is known as gingivitis. Symptoms of gingivitis include red or swollen gums that may easily bleed. Gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. When periodontitis occurs, the gums start to pull away from the tooth, the bone around the tooth can break down, and the teeth may fall out.

Gingivitis and periodontitis fall under the category of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease comes with warning signs, and bad breath that won’t go away is often one of the first signs.

Hypothyroidism can also contribute to snoring and mouth breathing at night. So, instead of breathing through your nose while sleeping, you breathe through your mouth. Mouth breathing increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. As we now know, these conditions can contribute to bad breath.

Managing bad breath

According to the American Dental Association, the first step in managing your bad breath is determining what is causing it. Schedule a visit to your dentist’s office. They can help determine if your oral health is the cause. If your dentist finds nothing abnormal during your oral exam, your primary care provider can check for other causes. This could include going over all the medications you take. The easiest way to do this is to make a list and give it to your provider. This way, you don’t have to remember what medications you take. Don’t forget to include vitamins and herbal supplements you take on the list!

In addition to managing the underlying condition, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for fending off bad breath. This includes:

  • Brushing your teeth two times a day for at least 2 minutes
  • Using a fluoride-containing toothpaste
  • Swishing with a mouth rinse or mouthwash after each brushing
  • Flossing at least once a day
  • Cleaning your tongue at least once a day
  • Staying well hydrated and drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist
  • Visiting your dentist regularly for routine cleanings and check-ups

If you suffer from dry mouth, artificial saliva can help increase saliva flow. Some also find chewing sugarless gum or sucking sugar-free sour candies can help with dry mouth symptoms.

If hypothyroidism is the underlying cause of your bad breath, your provider will start you on thyroid hormone replacement medication. These medications help raise your thyroid hormone levels, allowing body functions to return to normal. By doing so, bad breath and other symptoms of hypothyroidism will resolve.

A note from Paloma Health

There is no direct evidence to suggest that hypothyroidism directly causes bad breath. Hypothyroidism symptoms and the effects of this condition can lead to bad breath. Dry mouth, changes within your GI tract, and oral health implications can all play a role in halitosis for individuals with hypothyroidism.

Addressing the underlying thyroid disorder and maintaining good oral hygiene can help manage bad breath. If you’re concerned about persistent halitosis or other symptoms, talk with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment.

If you need a thyroid provider, consider partnering with Paloma Health. Our thyroid providers specialize in treating hypothyroidism, helping to alleviate your symptoms. Please schedule a free telehealth consultation today.

Limited offer

20% off your first Thyroid Test

Test your thyroid levels from home and know your levels in days
Use code GETBETTER at checkout
Use code
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

References:

Poniewierka E, Pleskacz M, Łuc-Pleskacz N, Kłaniecka-Broniek J. Halitosis as a symptom of gastroenterological diseases. Prz Gastroenterol. 2022;17(1):17-20. doi: https://doi.org/10.5114/pg.2022.114593

Medline Plus. Dry Mouth: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Medlineplus.gov. Last Updated January 29, 2024. Accessed March 17, 2024. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003853.htm

Guvnir M, Asardag E, Suer K. Halitosis due to hypothyroidism of unknown cause: two case reports. GMJ 2023;34:446-448.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Symptoms & Causes of GER & GERD . National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Published May 22, 2019. Accessed March 17. 2024/ https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/symptoms-causes

Chandna S, Bathla M. Oral manifestations of thyroid disorders and its management. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Jul;15(Suppl 2):S113-6. doi: https://doi.org/10.4103/2230-8210.83343

Mark A. Targeting bad breath: for the patient. 2015;46:12:932. J Am Dent Assoc. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2015.09.015

Baldini C, Ferro F, Mosca M, Fallahi P, Antonelli A. The Association of Sjögren Syndrome and Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2018 Apr 3;9:121. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00121. PMID: 29666604; PMCID: PMC5891591. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5891591/

Kaur H, Alazzeh M, Thandavaram A, et al. Increased Threat of Thyroid Diseases in Patients With Sjogren’s Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Cureus. Published online August 16, 2022. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.28062 https://www.cureus.com/articles/103348-increased-threat-of-thyroid-diseases-in-patients-with-sjogrens-syndrome-a-systematic-review#!/

Share article:

Emilie White, PharmD

Clinical Pharmacist and Medical Blogger

Emilie White, PharmD is a clinical pharmacist with over a decade of providing direct patient care to those hospitalized. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. After graduation, Emilie completed a postgraduate pharmacy residency at Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center in Virginia. Her background includes caring for critical care, internal medicine, and surgical patients.

Read more

Is Paloma Right For Me?

Hypothyroidism is a long-term commitment and we’re committed to you. Schedule a free, no-obligation phone consultation with one of our intake specialists to find out more.

Schedule a call
thyroid hormone for hypothyroidism

Find out if Paloma is right for you. Schedule a free call with one of our health care advisors.

Schedule a Call